Popular

August 20, 2008

US State Secretary Praises Poland As Defender of Freedom

by Sam Savage

Text of report in English by Polish national independent news agency PAP

Warsaw, 20 August: Poland has always been defending freedom, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday after she and Polish Foreign Minister signed a deal on placing ten missile interceptors in Poland.

Let me express my thanks for the reception of our delegation in Warsaw which is a unique city, a symbol that freedom can be negated for a moment but not for ever, Rice stressed.

Poland has always been defending freedom, even in the dark days when it could not fully express its wish for freedom. But today I am in a free and democratic Poland that is fully integrated with Euro- Atlantic structures of the EU and NATO, Rice said.

Rice termed the signing of the deal as a historic and special occasion.

She stressed the deal would help answer the threats of the 21st century and consolidate Polish-US cooperation. It will make it possible for the alliance, Poland and the US to answer future threats, she said.

The shield is not directed against anyone. This is a defensive system, Rice said.

Originally published by PAP news agency, Warsaw, in English 1041 20 Aug 08.